University Catalogue: 2008-09
Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-professional programs help students prepare for entrance into professional degree programs. Many professional degree programs are offered only at the post-baccalaureate level, so an undergraduate degree is needed before enrolling in them. UW-Eau Claire offers a variety of academic majors that provide excellent preparation for applying to such professional programs. Students interested in these programs should select an academic major that will prepare them to compete for such programs (many are highly selective) as well as provide career alternatives. For other professional degree programs, students transfer to another higher education institution to complete the appropriate professional degree.
Pre-professional programs are not academic degree programs (that is, they are not academic majors or minors). Instead, pre-professional programs provide an organized approach to academic advising for students intending to apply to a professional degree program. To enhance academic planning and preparation while enrolled at UW-Eau Claire, a student interested in obtaining a professional degree should:
. Work with a pre-professional adviser who can help plan an appropriate curriculum in the field of interest.
. Obtain information from other colleges/universities regarding specific academic requirements for the professional degree program of interest.
. Declare an academic major that is logically connected to the professional field, and work with an adviser in the academic major.
Pre-Architecture (Code 005-900)
Adviser: Professor T. Lockhart (P-243) Physics and Astronomy
Architecture is a profession which requires individuals to complete a certification process, which includes completion of an accredited professional degree in architecture. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students have two paths to the required professional degree: (1) complete one year of general studies at UW-Eau Claire (about 30 credits) and apply for transfer to the pre-architecture program at the architectural school of interest, or (2) complete an undergraduate degree at UW-Eau Claire plus certain designated courses and apply for graduate admission to an accredited Master of Architecture program. Consult the adviser because specific requirements differ widely among schools of architecture.
Pre-Chiropractic (Code 704-900)
Adviser: Professor J. Janot (MPE-229) Kinesiology
The pre-chiropractic program is intended to prepare students for admission into a chiropractic college. Most accredited chiropractic colleges prefer that students earn a baccalaureate degree before beginning, or concurrently with, their chiropractic training. Because the specific requirements of professional schools vary considerably, students should obtain current academic catalogues from the schools in which they are interested. The pre-chiropractic program is an advising track and not a major, minor, or certificate program. Interested students should select an appropriate major in consultation with an academic adviser in their chosen area of study.
Advisers: Professors S. Hartsel (P-461) Chemistry, S. Krueger (P-335) Biology, D. Wittrock (P-330) Biology
Students should plan to spend at least three years in pre-professional work. Many pre-dentistry students complete a B.S. degree in biology or chemistry. A typical first year program includes Chem 103 and 104 (or 115 and 213); Biol 110 and 111; Engl 110; Math 109, and/or 112/113, and/or 114; Psyc 100. Advanced courses required include Phys 211 and 212 (or 231 and 232) and Chem 325 and 326. Consult an adviser for further recommendations.
NOTE: The Dental Admission Test must be taken prior to applying for admission to dental school, preferably during the first semester of the junior year.
Pre-Engineering (Code 195-900)
Advisers:
Chemical-Professor S. Drucker (P-457) Chemistry
Civil-Professor L. Ford (P-236) Physics and Astronomy
Electrical-Professor M. Evans (P-233) Physics and Astronomy
General-Professors M. Evans (P-233) Physics and Astronomy, L. Ford (P-236) Physics and Astronomy
Mechanical-Professor G. Stecher (P-244) Physics and Astronomy
NOTE: High school preparation should include as much algebra, trigonometry, and advanced mathematics as possible as well as courses in chemistry and physics.
Students should plan to transfer after two years at UW-Eau Claire unless they decide to pursue the Dual Degree Engineering Emphasis in Physics or the Dual Degree Geological Engineering Emphasis in Geology. Required freshman and sophomore courses include Math 114, 215, 216; Phys 231, 232. Many fields of engineering also require chemistry, statics, dynamics, differential equations, and computer programming. Students should be aware that many engineering schools require GPAs of 2.50 or higher to be admitted to the junior year. Consult a pre-engineering adviser, because specific course and grade requirements vary among engineering fields as well as among schools of engineering.
Advisers: Professors M. Gilkison (SSS-200C) Political Science, F. Kolb (SSS-479) Economics, P. Myers (SSS-227B) Political Science, J. Tubbs (SSS-207B) Political Science
Students should plan to complete a baccalaureate degree before applying for admission to a law school. Major and minor fields should be chosen according to alternative career plans. Students may want to consider the Legal Studies emphasis in the Political Science Comprehensive Major or a Topical Minor in Pre-Law. In addition to the student's area(s) of emphasis, it is important to obtain a broadly based undergraduate education. Courses which are strongly recommended (some of which can be counted for General Education) are Acct 201; Anth 422; Bsad 305 or 306; CJ 414; Econ 103 and 104; Engl 201; IS 240; Math 111 and/or 246; Phil 150, 310; Pols 110, 310, 311, 312, 338, 403, 404, and 405. Courses in American and English/British history, ethics, accounting, judicial politics, philosophy of law, argumentation and debate, and statistics are also recommended. In addition to their major adviser, pre-law students are strongly encouraged to contact a pre-law adviser early in their first semester to obtain an information sheet and further suggestions. To be given Pre-Law designation, see the Political Science department chair. This designation is in addition to major and minor program designations.
NOTE: The Law School Admission Test should be taken early in the senior year (usually September or October).
Advisers: Professors J. Anderson (P-349) Biology, R. Buiser (P-351) Biology, W. Gallagher (P-437) Chemistry, S. Hartsel (P-461) Chemistry, D. Janik (P-341) Biology, M. Kettler (P-358) Biology, D. Lewis (P-458) Chemistry, J. Rohrer (P-355) Biology, S. Showsh (P-358) Biology, W. Taylor (P-350) Biology
The pre-med curriculum consists of those courses needed to meet the entrance requirements for the majority of medical schools and to prepare students to take the Medical College Admission Test. The majority of students should plan to complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree. Because of the competition for available places, students are urged to plan programs that will permit alternative career choices if acceptance into medical school is not secured. Typical first year courses include Engl 110; Biol 110; Chem 115 and 213 (or 103 and 104); and one or two semesters of mathematics. Consult an adviser for further recommendations.
NOTE 1: Chem 103 will not apply toward the completion of a biochemistry/molecular biology major.
NOTE 2: Entry into medical schools is based on (1) the student's academic record, (2) the results of the Medical College Admission Test, which should be taken in the spring of the junior year, (3) recommendations, and (4) interviews.
NOTE 3: A limited number of scholarships are available for sophomore, junior, and senior pre-medicine students who meet the scholarship criteria.
Pre-Occupational Therapy (Code 665-900)
Adviser: Professor J. Janot (MPE-229) Kinesiology
The pre-occupational therapy program is intended to prepare students for admission into a graduate program in occupational therapy. Most occupational therapy programs are now at the graduate level. Students should plan on completing a baccalaureate degree before applying to occupational therapy graduate programs. Because the specific requirements of professional schools vary considerably, students should obtain current academic catalogues from the schools in which they are interested. The pre-occupational therapy program is an advising track and not a major, minor, or certificate program. Interested students should select an appropriate major in consultation with an academic adviser in their chosen area of study.
Adviser: Professor D. Janik (P-341) Biology
Students should plan to spend at least two years in undergraduate study; the majority of successful applicants have three or four years of college work. A typical first year program includes Engl 110; Biol 110 and 111; Chem 103 and 104 (or 115); and a mathematics course. Consult an adviser for further recommendations.
NOTE: The Optometry Admission Test should be taken before the semester in which the student applies for acceptance into a school of optometry. Because of competition for the available places, students are urged to plan programs that will permit alternative career choices if acceptance into an optometry school is not secured.
Advisers: Professors C. Muller (P-433) Chemistry, K. Wiegel (P-435) Chemistry, T. Yang (P-439) Chemistry
The pre-pharmacy curriculum blends science and math courses with social science and humanities courses in order to prepare future pharmacists to address medical problems with the people they will serve. Most students now admitted to pharmacy schools enter with a bachelor's degree, so students should plan to choose a major to be more competitive. A freshman program should include Chem 115 (or 103 and 104); Math 114; Biol 110 and 111 or Biol 214 and 314; Engl 110; and one or more of the social science courses: Econ 103; Soc 101; or Anth/AIS 161. The minimum coursework admission requirements could be planned in two years if the student is prepared to start in Chem 115 and Math 114. More time should be allowed if the student starts in a lower level math course or takes the Chem 103/104 sequence. The GPA of students admitted into pharmacy school is typically above 3.50. Pharmacy schools are increasingly emphasizing communication, leadership, and community service in their admissions criteria, so students should pace their work at UW-Eau Claire to develop strong records in both academics and community service. Experience as a pharmacy technician is also helpful. Consult an adviser for information about the Student Pharmaceutical Society and pharmacy school admissions requirements.
Pre-Physical Therapy (Code 662-900)
Adviser: Professor J. Janot (MPE-229) Kinesiology
The pre-physical therapy program is intended to prepare students for admission into a graduate program in physical therapy. Most physical therapy programs are now at the graduate level. Students should plan on completing a baccalaureate degree before applying to physical therapy graduate programs. Because the specific requirements of professional schools vary considerably, students should obtain current academic catalogues from the schools in which they are interested. The pre-physical therapy program is an advising track and not a major, minor, or certificate program. Interested students should select an appropriate major in consultation with an academic adviser in their chosen area of study.
Pre-Physician Assistant (Code 707-900)
Advisers: Professors D. Herman (P-338) Biology, D. Janik (P-341) Biology
Most physician assistant programs are now at the graduate level (M.S.). Students should plan on completing a baccalaureate degree before applying to physician assistant graduate programs. Specific requirements for admission will vary among different programs, and students are encouraged to consult the specific program catalogue for these requirements. In preparation, students should take two semesters of chemistry, two semesters of physics, precalculus/calculus, biology courses including organismal form and function, microbiology, two semesters of anatomy and physiology, psychology courses, and a communication course. Other courses may be required. Consult with an adviser for further recommendations and information, including information about regional program requirements.
Adviser: Professor S. Lowe (HHH-630) Philosophy and Religious Studies
Students should plan to complete a baccalaureate degree. Major and minor emphases may be chosen according to interest, though candidates are typically expected to have a broad background in the humanities. Recommended emphases include religious studies, English, philosophy, history, natural sciences, social sciences, foreign languages, fine arts. Consult an adviser for specific recommendations.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine (Code 708-900)
Adviser: Professor D. Wittrock (P-330) Biology, S. Showsh (P-358) Biology
Students should plan to spend at least three years in pre-professional work. Many students complete a B.S. degree. A typical freshman program includes Biol 110 and 111; Chem 103 and 104 (or 115 and 213); Engl 110; Math 114. Consult an adviser for further recommendations.
NOTE: Most schools of veterinary medicine require experience with animals, such as that gained through a farm background or working as assistant to a veterinarian, as well as the completion of the genera l test of the Graduate Record Examination. Because of competition for the available places, students are urged to plan a degree program that will permit alternative career choices if acceptance into a school of veterinary medicine is not secured.
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